Radiator Service

Radiator Antifreeze/Coolant Service

Did you know that up to a third of the heat energy produced by an internal combustion engine ends up as waste heat in the cooling system? A gallon of gasoline produces about 19,000 to 20,000 BTUs of heat energy when it is burned, which is enough to boil over 120 gallons of water! So the two or so gallons of coolant that circulate within the typical automotive cooling system have to carry away a lot of heat. The radiator also has to be fairly efficient at getting rid of the heat, too, otherwise the BTUs will start to back up and make the engine overheat.

An efficient cooling system, therefore, requires several things: an adequate supply of coolant, an efficient heat exchanger, a fan to pull air through the radiator at low speeds, a water pump to keep the coolant moving, and a thermostat to regulate the operating temperature of the engine for good performance, fuel economy and emissions. The coolant must also have the right mix of water and antifreeze to provide adequate freezing and boiling protection, and the proper amount of corrosion inhibitors to protect against rust, oxidation and electrolysis.

To keep the cooling system in good operating condition, it’s important to check the level, strength and condition of the coolant on a regular basis – and to replace or recycle the coolant before the protective additives are entirely depleted.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cooling system failure is the leading cause of mechanical breakdowns on the highway. And according to numerous aftermarket surveys that have been performed over the years, coolant neglect is one of the leading causes of cooling system breakdowns.

What is the service?

The old antifreeze is removed from your radiator and replaced with new antifreeze per your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.